Marine vessel mounted machine system

ABSTRACT

A machine system installed on a marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The second mounting portion is positioned proximal to the first mounting portion. The machine system comprises a machine, an enclosure, and a power unit. The machine includes a frame and a work unit. The frame is rotatably mounted on the first mounting portion of the marine vessel. The work unit is positioned on the frame of the machine. The enclosure is mounted on the second mounting portion of the marine vessel. The power unit includes a power source for the machine. The power source is removably positioned within the enclosure, such that the power source is isolated from the machine. The power source is connected to the work unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a marine vessel used in marine industry. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a machine system installed on the marine vessel.

BACKGROUND

Machine systems, such as hydraulic excavators, are commonly known to be installed on a marine vessel. For example, a hydraulic excavator may be installed on the marine vessel to perform excavation at regions proximal to the marine vessel. A machine system includes a machine that employs a work unit installed within the machine. The work unit is a combination of equipment and systems, to perform operations of the machine system The work unit typically includes an actuation unit and a drive unit. The actuation unit is adapted to facilitate various operations of the machine system The actuation unit is typically a number of pumps or compressors for performing work via hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Various other types of the actuation unit may also be contemplated, such as but not limited to, a pump (or a compressor) employing mechanical system, a pump (or a compressor) employing an electric system. The drive unit is generally a motor that drives the actuation unit of the work unit. More specifically, the drive unit is coupled to the actuation unit and drives the actuation unit, in order to facilitate the operations of the machine system

Moreover, the machine system employs a power unit installed within the machine. The power unit includes a power source that supplies energy to the drive unit of the work unit, for operation of the drive unit. Different types of the power source may be employed by the machine system such as, but is not limited to, a power source employing a compression ignition engine using liquid fuels such as diesel, a power source employing a spark ignited engine using liquid or gaseous fuels, and a power source employing a dual fuel engine using gaseous and liquid fuels. In some situations, the machine system along with the marine vessel may require to travel to different locations to work on different work sites. Each location may follow different standards for emissions and other regulations for safety and noise. Therefore, it may be required to frequently replace the existing power unit or the existing power source, as the machine system and the marine vessel travels to a different location. In some locations, the marine vessel and the machine system may operate in relative proximity to an alternative fuel supply such as a locally sourced gas fuel. In such situations, the drive unit may require significant changes to operate on the local fuel supply to be able to operate the machine within the local regulations for safety and exhaust emissions. In some other locations, the marine vessel and the machine system may operate in relative proximity to a distributed electrical supply. In such situations, the drive unit would require significant changes to receive power from that distribution grid to be able to operate the machine within the local regulations for noise or exhaust emissions.

U.S. Pat. No. 960,225 (the '225 reference) describes a pontoon crane (machine system) that can operate in marine application. In the '225 reference, a power unit is installed within the pontoon crane. The power unit of the pontoon crane may require to be replaced with a new power unit, as the pontoon crane travels to a different location

Generally, the power unit is compactly installed within the machine. Due to space constraints in accessing this power unit, it may be cumbersome for an operator to replace the existing power unit with another power unit. This may result in increased cost and effort to replace the power unit. Hence, there is a need to provide an improved machine system associated with the marine vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various aspects of the present disclosure describe a machine system installed on a marine vessel. The marine vessel includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The second mounting portion is positioned proximal to the first mounting portion. The machine system comprises of a machine, an enclosure, and a power unit. The machine includes a frame and a work unit. The frame is rotatably mounted on the first mounting portion of the marine vessel. The work unit is positioned on the frame of the machine. The enclosure is mounted on the second mounting portion of the marine vessel. The power unit includes a power source of the machine. The power source is removably positioned within the enclosure, such that the power source is isolated from the machine. The power source is connected to the work unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine system installed on a marine vessel, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the machine system of FIG. 1, which illustrates an arrangement of various components of the machine system on the marine vessel, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary machine system 12 installed on a marine vessel 10 is illustrated. The marine vessel 10 includes a support platform 14 that support and carry goods and equipment from one place to another. Examples of the marine vessel 10 may include such as, but is not limited to, a barge, a pontoon, and a watercraft.

The support platform 14 facilitates mounting of various other components of the marine vessel 10. For example, the support platform 14 may facilitate mounting of a multiplicity of spuds 16 of the marine vessel 10. In addition, the support platform 14 includes a first mounting portion 18 and a second mounting portion 20 for supporting and mounting the machine system 12 on the marine vessel 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the first mounting portion 18 is positioned proximal to a first end 22 of the marine vessel 10. The second mounting portion 20 is positioned relatively distal to the first end 22 of the marine vessel 10. The second mounting portion 20 is positioned adjacent to the first mounting portion 18 of the marine vessel 10. Each of the first mounting portion 18 and the second mounting portion 20 provides a strengthened base to mount and support various components of the machine system 12 on the marine vessel 10. In another embodiment, the second mounting portion 20 may be positioned distal from the first mounting portion 18, to enable balancing of the marine vessel 10 in water.

The machine system 12 is a combination of a machine 24 and associated components for performing various operations on the marine vessel 10. The machine system 12 includes the machine 24, an enclosure 26, and a power unit 28.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the machine system 12, illustrating various components of the machine 24. The machine 24 is an excavator installed on the marine vessel 10 to perform marine excavation on regions proximal to the marine vessel 10. The machine 24 includes a frame 30, a cab 32, a compartment 34, a work implement 36, and a work unit 38. Although, the machine 24 is described as the excavator in the present disclosure, various other types of the machine 24 may also be contemplated. Examples of the machine 24 may include, but are not limited to, a crane, a dragline machine, and a surface drill machine.

The frame 30 is a support structure mounted on the first mounting portion 18 to rotatably install the machine 24 on the marine vessel 10. In an embodiment, the frame 30 is rotatably mounted on the first mounting portion 18, via a swing drive assembly 40. In an embodiment, the swing drive assembly 40 is operably connected to and rotated by a trigger unit (not shown) to rotate the frame 30 on the marine vessel 10. Moreover, the frame 30 supports various other components of the machine 24. More specifically, the frame 30 supports the cab 32, the compartment 34, the work implement 36, and the work unit 38 of the machine 24.

The cab 32 is mounted on the frame 30. The cab 32 houses a control panel (not shown), which may be accessed to facilitate one or more functionalities associated with the machine 24. The one or more functionalities of the machine 24 may include, a movement of the work implement 36 of the machine 24, an activation and deactivation of lights of the machine 24, and a rotational movement of the frame 30 of the machine 24. Additional functions of the machine 24 may include, such as but is not limited to, moving material such as rock, water or soil, or goods to or from the support platform 14 of the marine vessel 10. In an embodiment, an operator may be positioned within the cab 32 and access the control panel (not shown) to facilitate the one or more functionalities associated with the machine 24. In an embodiment, the machine 24 may include a remote control function (not shown) enabling the machine 24 and machine system 12 to be operated from outside of the cab 32.

The compartment 34 is mounted on the frame 30, proximal to the cab 32. In the current embodiment, the compartment 34 houses a balance mass to counterbalance a force exerted due to operation of the work implement 36. In an embodiment, the compartment 34 may be made of relatively heavy weight to counterbalance the force exerted due to operation of the work implement 36.

The work implement 36 is a boom-stick and bucket arrangement pivotally attached to the frame 30. The work implement 36 is operably connected to and adjusted by one or more actuators 42 to facilitate marine excavation on regions proximal to the marine vessel 10. The actuators 42 are connected to and powered by the work unit 38. Various types of the actuators 42 may be contemplated such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, an electrically actuated hydraulic actuator, and an electrically actuated pneumatic actuator. Examples of the work implement 36 may include, but is not limited to, a boom-stick and grapple arrangement, a crane-jib hook arrangement, and a hoist and drag arrangement.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic of the machine system 12, illustrating the work unit 38 of the machine 24 and each of the enclosure 26 and the power unit 28 of the machine system 12. The work unit 38 is mounted on the frame 30 of the machine 24. The work unit 38 is a combination of an actuation unit 44 and a drive unit 46. The actuation unit 44 is one or more of a hydraulic pump or a pneumatic compressor operably connected to each of the actuators 42 of the work implement 36 of the machine 24. When driven, the actuation unit 44 powers the actuators 42 to adjust the work implement 36 of the machine 24. In an embodiment, the drive unit 46 is a motor coupled to the actuation unit 44. Upon actuation, the drive unit 46 drives the actuation unit 44, to generate pressure in the hydraulic or pneumatic system and power the actuators 42 of the work implement 36 and the trigger unit (not shown) of the swing drive assembly 40. Therefore, the drive unit 46 facilitates adjustment of the work implement 36 (by the actuators 42) and rotation of the frame 30 of the machine 24 (by the swing drive assembly 40). Further, either of the drive unit 46 and the actuation unit 44 may include an energy storage mechanism such as a battery, a flywheel, or an accumulator for short or long term interruption of power. Moreover, the drive unit 46 of the work unit 38 is connected to and powered by the power unit 28 via a connection 48. The connection 48 between the work unit 38 and the power unit 28 may be routed within a cover unit (not shown) to protect from external environment.

The enclosure 26 is installed on the second mounting portion 20 of the marine vessel 10 via an attachment means (not shown). The attachment means between the enclosure 26 and the second mounting portion 20 may include, but is not limited to, a bolt attachment, a weld attachment, and an adhesive attachment. The enclosure 26 is adapted to house and protect the power unit 28 from external environment. Additionally, the enclosure 26 defines an access door 50 (see FIG. 1), which provides an access to the power unit 28 housed within the enclosure 26. Notably, the enclosure 26 is shaped and sized such that the power unit 28 is easily accessible through the access door 50 (see FIG. 1) of the enclosure 26. Although, the enclosure 26 is described to be mounted on the second mounting portion 20 of the marine vessel 10, the enclosure 26 may be envisioned to be mounted at any position on the marine vessel 10. Position of the enclosure 26 on the marine vessel 10 should not limit the scope of the disclosure.

The power unit 28 of the machine system 12 includes a power source 52 and a power conditioning and control unit (PCCU) 54. In an embodiment, the power unit 28 is a genset arrangement that produces power for machine operation. More specifically, the power unit 28 employs a number of engines as the power source 52 and a number of generators as the PCCU 54 to produce power. Examples of the power source 52 employed by the power unit 28 may include, but is not limited to, a diesel engine, a natural gas engine, a dual fuel engine, and a gasoline engine. The power source 52 is connected to the PCCU 54. The power source 52 is adapted to supply power to the drive unit 46 via the PCCU 54, to facilitate operations of the work unit 38. The PCCU 54 is operably connected between the power source 52 of the power unit 28 and the drive unit 46 of the work unit 38, for conditioning and control of power transferred from the power source 52 to the drive unit 46. Additionally, the PCCU 54 is connected to a number of additional discrete power sources (not shown), which may fulfill varying power requirements of the machine 24. In an embodiment, the power unit 28 may include an auxiliary power connection 56, operably connected to the PCCU 54. The auxiliary power connection 56 allows a connection of the PCCU 54 to a secondary power source (not shown), when required. For example, the auxiliary power connection 56 may allow a connection of the PCCU 54 to a distributed electrical supply (the secondary power source) positioned proximal to the marine vessel 10. The secondary power source (not shown) may supply power to the drive unit 46 when the power source 52 is uninstalled. Notably, the power source 52 is removably positioned within the enclosure 26. As the power source 52 is positioned within the enclosure 26, the power source 52 is isolated from the machine 24. The power source 52 is relatively easily reached through the access door 50 (see FIG. 1) of the enclosure 26.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In operation, the machine system 12 is installed on the marine vessel 10 to perform excavation operations on regions proximal to the marine vessel 10. More specifically, the machine 24 of the machine system 12 are positioned on the first mounting portion 18 of the marine vessel 10. Additionally, the enclosure 26 and the power unit 28 of the machine system 12 are positioned on the second mounting portion 20 of the marine vessel 10. The power unit 28 produces and supplies power to the drive unit 46 of the work unit 38, to facilitate various machine operations. The power unit 28 is positioned within the enclosure 26 to protect from external environment. More specifically, the power source 52 of the power unit 28 is installed within the enclosure 26 to be protected from external environment.

Furthermore, in certain situations, the marine vessel 10 may travel from one geographical location to a different geographical location. In such situations, the power unit 28 or the power source 52 is required to be replaced with a new power unit or a new power source, respectively, in line with different regulations or fuel supply conditions of the later geographical location. For example, a power source 52 employing a diesel engine may require to be replaced with a power source 52 employing a petrol engine, in some situations. In order to replace the power source 52, an operator may access the power source 52 through the access door 50 of the enclosure 26. The operator may then remove the power source 52 from the enclosure 26 and replace with a new power source. As the power unit 28 and the power source 52 are installed within the enclosure 26 and isolated from the machine 24, sufficient space is available for replacement of either components. Therefore, it is relatively less cumbersome for the operator to replace the power unit 28 or the power source 52. Thus, the machine system 12 significantly reduces the cost and effort required to replace the power unit 28 or the power source 52. In an embodiment the power unit 28 includes additional discrete power sources (not shown) connected to the PCCU 54, such that one or more of the power source 52 may be replaced while the machine system 12 and machine 24 continue to operate.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claim(s) and any equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A machine system installed on a marine vessel, the marine vessel including a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, the second mounting portion being positioned proximal to the first mounting portion, the machine system comprising: a machine including a frame and a work unit, the frame being rotatably mounted on the first mounting portion of the marine vessel, the work unit being positioned on the frame of the machine; an enclosure mounted on the second mounting portion of the marine vessel; and a power unit including a power source of the machine, the power source being removably positioned within the enclosure, such that the power source is isolated from the machine, the power source being connected to the work unit. 